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256256en-usYou should respect the intellectual property rights of the original source. Please contact the source directly if you want to re-use their content.Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000Angola: Annual report on Norwegian bilateral development cooperation 2007https://reliefweb.int/report/angola/annual-report-norwegian-bilateral-development-cooperation-2007
<div class="source"><span class="items">Source: Government of Norway</span></div>
<div class="country"><span class="items">Country: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Timor-Leste, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Iraq, occupied Palestinian territory, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia<span></div><br/>
<div class="body"><p><br>Introduction</p>
<p><a href="http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900SID/KHII-7PT8M7?OpenDocument">This annual report</a> describes bilateral development cooperation between Norway and 30 of the countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East that received the most assistance in 2007. Norwegian development assistance totalled NOK 21.8 billion in 2007. Of this amount, bilateral assistance (including multi-bilateral assistance) accounted for NOK 15.7 billion.</p>
<p>The report covers the results achieved in priority areas of cooperation, gives an account of general development trends in partner countries and describes Norway's contribution in this connection.</p>
<p>Examples of areas of cooperation commented on briefly in the report include humanitarian aid in Sudan, higher education in Tanzania, anti-corruption activities in Zambia, governance and human rights in Nepal and food security in Nicaragua. None of the results described in the report were achieved through Norwegian assistance alone. Norway's contribution is almost always just one of several that supplement the most important effort, that of the countries themselves.</p>
<p>Table 1 shows the breakdown of total Norwegian development assistance in 2007 between bilateral assistance, multi-bilateral assistance (grants channelled through multilateral organisations and earmarked for specific projects and programmes), multilateral assistance and administrative expenses charged to the development assistance budget. Norway complies with the rules of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) for reporting official development assistance (countries and purposes). Only bilateral assistance and multi-bilateral assistance can be specified by country and region.</p>
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Table 2 shows the breakdown of total bilateral assistance (including multibilateral assistance) by continent.
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Table 3 shows the 35 countries that received the most support from Norway. Norwegian bilateral assistance was provided to a total of 109 countries in 2007. This support was channelled through national authorities, civil society organisations (Norwegian, local and regional) and multilateral organisations (earmarked grants). Assistance was provided for long-term cooperation, humanitarian assistance, peace-building measures, cooperation on research and cooperation with the private sector.
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Norad and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are publishing this report in the hope that readers will find it useful in their further exploration of development issues.</p>
</div>AngolaBurundiDemocratic Republic of the CongoEthiopiaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMozambiqueSomaliaSouth AfricaSudanUnited Republic of TanzaniaUgandaZambiaAfghanistanBangladeshChinaTimor-LesteIndiaIndonesiaNepalPakistanSri LankaNicaraguaIraqoccupied Palestinian territoryBosnia and HerzegovinaSerbiaEarthquakeTropical CycloneFloodTsunamiNews and Press ReleaseAgricultureCoordinationEducationFood and NutritionHealthRecovery and ReconstructionProtection and Human RightsShelter and Non-Food ItemsWater Sanitation HygieneContributionsGovernment of Norwayhttps://reliefweb.int/report/angola/annual-report-norwegian-bilateral-development-cooperation-2007Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000ReliefWeb Updates on AngolaAfghanistan: Overview of the ICRC's operations in 2006https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/overview-icrcs-operations-2006
<div class="source"><span class="items">Source: International Committee of the Red Cross</span></div>
<div class="country"><span class="items">Country: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d&#039;Ivoire, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, occupied Palestinian territory, Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, United States of America, Zimbabwe, Montenegro<span></div><br/>
<div class="body"><p>This document outlines the global operational
priorities identified by the ICRC in 2006. It is based on the yearly internal
review and planning process conducted primarily by the 80 field delegations
and missions.
<br>The following is an extract from the
introduction by Pierre Krähenbühl, Director of Operations.
<p>In this document, the ICRC presents its
main operational trends and priorities for 2006. It reflects the organization&#39;s
bottom-up approach, containing primarily the analysis, objectives and plans
of action developed by the ICRC&#39;s 80 delegations and missions around the
world. In this consolidated form, they represent the carefully considered
and targeted responses to the needs identified by the ICRC at the time
of writing in late October 2005.
<p>Development of conflict environments
<p>The year 2005 will be remembered for
a series of catastrophic natural disasters: the tsunami in parts of Asia,
drought in Niger, hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the United States, tropical
storm Stan in Central America and the earthquake in Pakistan and India,
to name the most devastating.
<p>The year will also be remembered as a
year of fewer active armed conflicts and for the declining intensity of
hostilities in several contexts, despite news of repeated appalling acts
of violence from places such as Iraq, Darfur (Sudan), northern Uganda,
Somalia and Nepal.
<p>Closer scrutiny of these developments
suggests a shift in the nature of armed conflicts in general and of internal
conflicts in particular. Internal conflicts and situations of internal
violence make up the majority of cases today. Current internal conflicts
are significantly different from those of the second half of the 20th century,
which were mainly anti-colonial and national liberation struggles. They
are also distinct from the nationality-driven upheavals that led to the
disintegration of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia and from the conflicts
in the Great Lakes of Africa region.
<p>Many of today&#39;s conflicts are characterized
by a crisis of legiti­macy reflecting the inherent fragility of many of
the States involved, and by the multiplicity of local actors engaged in
the hostilities representing a broad range of grievances. They include
so-called &quot;classic&quot; conflicts between a government and one or more rebel
groups, with mainly local causes and effects, and internal conflicts involving
various opposition groups spurred by diverse motives and objectives stemming
primarily from local issues which nevertheless have major regional and
international implications and involvement.
<p>In 2005, an ongoing confrontation of
global dimensions between certain States and a highly decentralized and
loosely connected range of non-State actors manifested itself in a number
of deliberate acts of terror in various parts of the world. It also led
to a combination of military/counter-terrorist operations and the introduction
of anti-terrorist legislation in some countries. At the other end of the
spectrum, highly localized forms of intercommunity feuds, often of a transnational
nature, inflicted high levels of human suffering in some regions.
<p>Economic factors continue to weigh heavily
on conflict dynamics, with a range of State and private actors competing
for access to markets and critical natural resources such as oil, while
a variety of other actors indulge in various forms of economic rapaciousness.
The reality in many countries in the throes of or emerging from conflict
is the weakness - in some cases the generalized collapse - of public
services such as health, water supply and social welfare, delaying recovery
and making the transition from emergency to development strategies harder
to achieve.
<p>Globally, the evolution of armed conflicts
has been affected by the widespread proliferation of weapons and by mass
migra­tion from rural to urban settings, resulting in sprawling urban centres
in many developing countries. This has contributed to an increase in new
forms of urban violence, often blurring the distinction between political
violence and criminality.
<p>More encouragingly, a number of conflict
situations have seen a marked improvement in terms of stabilization, containment
or transition, often the result of international or regional peace-keeping
efforts. However, while effectively ending or freezing the period of active
hostilities and addressing some of the populations&#39; most pressing security
needs, such large-scale operations have stretched the resources of the
international community. Furthermore, they often take place in contexts
of great socio-economic instability which experience slow and often lengthy
processes of demobilization, reintegration and reconciliation. This has
resulted in delayed development, per­sistent insecurity, rising criminality
and increased hardship for the populations concerned.
<p>Experience shows that while today&#39;s
conflicts generally result in lower direct casualty rates than in previous
decades, the number of indirect victims is very high. Moreover, current
conflicts and situations of violence tend to last longer, while protracted
transition periods often produce little concerted action to address the
underlying causes of the conflict, making a renewal of hostilities possible
in several contexts.
<p>Many of the features of current armed
conflicts described above have existed for some time, while others are
more recent. In today&#39;s world, it is the interconnection between many
of these factors, both local and global, that has complicated the analysis
of specific situations and the formulation of appro­priate responses. The
overriding challenge ahead is to address the multiple needs of populations
affected by extremely diverse situations of conflict and violence, and
to respond rapidly and effectively to new emergencies.
<p>Implications for current ICRC operations
<p>In 2005, the ICRC confirmed its worldwide
reach and was operational in numerous conflict zones. Among the most notable
achievements during the year were an ambitious and multifaceted operation
in Darfur and major humanitarian programmes in northern Uganda, Liberia,
Côte d&#39;Ivoire and an increasingly unstable Somalia. The ICRC also pursued
its wide-ranging humanitarian commitments in Israel and the Palestinian
territories, Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar, the northern Caucasus, Colombia,
Haiti and many other contexts.
<p>The ICRC, alongside its Movement partners,
mounted large-scale operations in response to two major natural disasters
- the Asian tsunami on 26 December 2004 and the earthquake in South Asia
on 8 October 2005. It also continued to fulfil the lead role for the Movement&#39;s
action in regions affected by con­flict, or politically and militarily
unstable.
<p>As in previous years, ICRC field operations
addressed diverse needs and situations. Visits to detainees took place
in around 80 different countries across the globe. New agreements on access
to places of detention were reached with the authorities in Tunisia and
Mauritania. Tracing and family links services proved critical both in acute
emergencies, such as in the after­maths of the tsunami and hurricane Katrina,
and in dealing with the lasting consequences of war or with the demobilization
and reintegration process in places such as the Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC) and countries of West Africa. Strategies combining protection
and assistance activities were implemented on behalf of civilians affected
by conflict and violence. These included programmes for internally displaced
people in northern Uganda, Liberia, Colombia, Nepal and elsewhere. In other
contexts such as Darfur, the ICRC set its priority on assisting and protecting
the resident population in remote areas.
<p>The ICRC also broadened its capacity
to respond more effec­tively to the specific needs of women and young girls.
An integrated response to the problem of sexual violence, com­bining medical
treatment, community-based counselling and protection and prevention measures
for victims, was intro­duced in the DRC. Similar programmes were implemented
in, among other places, Algeria, Burundi, Liberia, Sudan, and Yemen.
<p>Its acceptance by all actors, proximity
to the victims of armed conflict and the security of its staff remained
central to the ICRC&#39;s ability to operate. From a security point of view,
2005 was again a difficult year with the loss of two colleagues, one Iraqi
and one Haitian. The ICRC is also still without news of two of its staff
members, one who went missing in South Africa in 2001 and the other in
Chechnya in 2003. In general, the ICRC continued to work in highly complex
and volatile environments such as Iraq, where it has adopted a specific
security-management approach enabling it to carry out a number of important
activities, notably visits to detainees.
<p>The risk of rejection by certain parties
who challenge the legitimacy of humanitarian action, or of the instrumentalization
of humanitarian action by others, is ever present. Faced with this problem,
the ICRC strove to demonstrate the specific advantages of its neutral and
independent approach through its opera­tional decisions and field strategies.
Progress was made in efforts to deepen dialogue with the Muslim world,
primarily with civil society representatives, religious circles and radical
groups.
<p>In parallel, the ICRC gave precedence
to the maintenance of bilateral and confidential dialogue with influential
State actors. The opening of a delegation in Beijing in 2005 repre­sents
a major achievement in this regard and underlined the commitment of China
and the ICRC to strengthen relations and operational cooperation.
<p>The ICRC pursued efforts to promote and
demonstrate the relevance of IHL in contemporary forms of armed conflict.
More critically, it sought to ensure respect for IHL by the par­ties engaged
in armed conflict.
<p>The year 2005 was also marked by important
debates on the future of the humanitarian sector, in particular in the
context of the UN reform process. The ICRC opted for active engagement
in the consultative phase, specifically within the framework of the Humanitarian
Response Review and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Principals&#39; meetings
and working groups.
<p>The ICRC sees a number of benefits in
efforts to improve the UN humanitarian response capacity. It nevertheless
also opted for a strong affirmation of its own identity and a reassertion
of the distinct benefits of its specific neutral and independent operational
approach. At the same time, it has formulated a pro-active and reality-based
set of guidelines on humanitarian coordination, both institutionally and
in the field.
<p>Key challenges for the ICRC in 2006
<p>Developing a universal and professional
humanitarian response to needs in times of armed conflict and violence
<p>It remains crucial for the ICRC to respond
to needs that arise in the full spectrum of conflict situations in the
world. This implies an ability to act rapidly and effectively in instances
of acute crisis (e.g. in Sudan, or after the Asian tsunami, or the earth­quake
in South Asia). In this respect, the ICRC is determined to make optimum
use of its specific expertise and added-value, based on a structured and
constantly updated early-warning, rapid-response and rapid-learning capacity.
Equally central is the capacity to sustain longer-term commitments in chronic
crises, early transitional phases or situations of violence that attract
little or no attention.
<p>A professional humanitarian response
means several things. First and foremost, it implies concern for people,
concern for their individual dignity and sensitivity when addressing their
most urgent needs. Acting in proximity to the victims of armed conflicts
- men, women and children who have borne the brunt of arbitrary violence
and who have endured great suffering - implies concern for quality and
meaningful humanitarian action to assist and protect them.
<p>Second, the ability to fulfil its humanitarian
tasks implies having qualified staff - national and international, generalists
and specialists - who are familiar with and who understand the different
contexts in which they work. Humanitarian workers require special qualities
such as sensitivity to cultural differences, curiosity, the ability to
listen and a desire to find solutions to even the most intractable problems
in highly complex environments.
<p>Third, implementing effective humanitarian
responses means investing and developing the ICRC&#39;s capacities in specific
fields of expertise to ensure future relevance. In 2006-07, the ICRC will
reinforce its protection activities, in particular with regard to detention-related
and tracing work, through field tests, staff development and supplementary
resources.
<p>Lastly, a professional humanitarian response
implies an ability to integrate various activities, such as protection
and assistance, or protection and prevention, based on an all-victims approach
and a multifaceted and intelligent response to specific needs, such as
those of women and girls or internally displaced people.
<p>Focusing on operational and security
management
<p>The ICRC&#39;s operational philosophy -
acting in the closest pos­sible proximity to those in need - requires
a commitment to develop and maintain a broad network of staff in the different
contexts in which it works and a highly decentralized security-management
concept. It also demands a shared recognition of the risks involved in
the current diversified and often unpredictable environments.
<p>What used to involve primarily contacts
and dialogue with official armed and security forces on the one hand and
fairly structured rebel or opposition movements on the other hand, today
requires approaching a diversity of non-State actors from political to
criminal, some with initially clear chains of command, but which later
splinter into multiple sub-groups or clans with shifting agendas. It also
means dealing with a broad spectrum of parties, ranging from powerful conventional
armies to radical armed groups or urban gangs. Learning to adapt to and
work with this diversity is crucial.
<p>Safeguarding the essence of neutral
and independent humanitarian action
<p>The humanitarian environment and community
have experi­enced significant changes in recent years. The process of inte­grating
crisis-management responses - combining political, military, social and
humanitarian objectives and activities - has continued and is an inherent
feature of many contexts today. This has taken the form of integrated -
or multi­disciplinary - UN missions or stabilization or enforcement campaigns
led by one or more States.
<p>This trend is likely to persist and the
ICRC has stated unam­biguously that, while continuing to coordinate with
all humanitarian actors concerned, it cannot be part of such inte­grated
approaches. The reason is straightforward: the mandate the ICRC was given
by the international community entails a responsibility to act in all situations
of armed conflict and vio­lence. Such situations are by definition highly
sensitive and to fulfil its role, the ICRC needs to build acceptance by
and seek dialogue with all actors influencing or directly involved in a
given conflict, however complex it may appear to be. To do so, it must
be - and be seen to be - neutral and independent. Neutrality must be
understood here as a deliberate decision not to take sides in a conflict
and to keep its action distinct from the political or military agenda of
any one actor. By the same token, the ICRC will continue to attach the
greatest importance to bilateral and confidential dialogue in the conduct
of its operations.
<p>This approach does not mean that the
ICRC believes that there is only one definition of humanitarian action.
It does, however, want its own approach and action to be clearly understood
as separate and accepted for its distinct added value in all situations
of armed conflict, whether acute, chronic or in transition.
<p>Investing in partnerships and coordination
<p>That said, the ICRC will pursue its efforts
to coordinate with other humanitarian agencies in a proactive manner based
on its actual capacity to deliver humanitarian services.
<p>ICRC teams in the field and units at
headquarters spend sig­nificant amounts of time in consultation and coordination
with other organizations operating in the same contexts and sharing similar
objectives. For example, they participate when­ever possible in UN general,
specific or thematic coordination meetings to increase the effectiveness
and ensure the comple­mentarity of responses to humanitarian needs. They
also liaise with the UN regarding the Consolidated Appeals process. The
ICRC will continue to identify operational and institutional partnerships
with other components of the Movement, the UN and its specialized agencies
and NGOs.
<p>Operational priorities in 2006
<p>The core focus of the ICRC in 2006 will
be to act in close proximity to people affected by armed conflicts and
internal violence and provide them, to the best of its ability, with a
meaningful humanitarian response to their plight. The ICRC will seek to
act rapidly and efficiently, taking into account the diverse nature of
the situations and the needs involved.
<p>The present document submits to your
attention an initial appeal for CHF 895.3 million to cover ICRC field activities
in 2006.
<p>The ten largest operations worldwide
will be: Sudan (CHF 127.6 million), Pakistan (CHF 97.1 million), Israel,
the Occupied and the Autonomous Territories (CHF 42.8 million), Afghanistan
(CHF 39.1 million), Iraq (CHF 38.3 million), Moscow regional delegation
(CHF 34.0 million), Democratic Republic of the Congo (CHF 29.6 million),
Liberia (CHF 27.3 million), Ethiopia (CHF 26.2 million) and Somalia (CHF
26.1 million).
<p>Notable features
<p>A central feature of the ICRC&#39;s 2006
budget is the confirmation of a broad operational commitment and range
of activities. The size of the initial budget, which represents a CHF 76
million increase over the initial 2005 budget, is explained by large-scale
operations in countries where the ICRC has demonstrated a specific added-value
and by the increase in the budget for Pakistan following the earthquake
(CHF 97.1 million).
<p>For a second consecutive year, the planned
expenditure for Africa is in excess of CHF 385.2 million. The continent
has again experienced a number of significant developments over the past
12 months, both positive and negative. There have been constructive political
processes leading to elections and greater stability in Burundi and Liberia,
and a marked reduction in the intensity of violence in Angola and southern
Sudan. At the same time, the situation has remained very preoccupying in
Darfur, northern Uganda, eastern DRC, Somalia and Côte d&#39;Ivoire.
<p>Whether in contexts where there is open
conflict or in countries in transition, there are multiple needs to be
addressed, which explains the scale of ICRC mobilization. Sudan alone accounts
for one third of the Africa budget, with the ICRC seeking to con­solidate
the operational capacity it has built up in Darfur. Similarly, the ICRC
has maintained an extensive involvement in northern Uganda (CHF 20.8 million).
In Somalia (CHF 26.1 million), where the population in the central and
southern parts of the country is experiencing high levels of violence and
suffering, the ICRC has reinforced its operation for 2006. It has also
stepped up preparation for and increased resources to deal with the uncertainty
in Côte d&#39;Ivoire (CHF 22.5 million).
<p>The budget for Rwanda (CHF 10.4 million)
reflects a further decrease over last year as a result of the successful
implemen­tation of an exit strategy in the area of food assistance in prisons.</p>
<p><p>The Asia budget has increased significantly,
rising to CHF 231.2 million. The ICRC&#39;s response to the devastating impact
of the earthquake in South Asia explains this high level of planned expenditure.
This response takes place within the framework of an agreement between
the ICRC and the International Federation under which the ICRC has assumed
the lead role for the Movement in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Helping
the affected population through the very difficult winter months will be
the ICRC&#39;s main priority in this context.
<p>The ICRC&#39;s operation in Afghanistan,
where levels of violence have risen in some parts of the country, remains
substantial despite a decrease in the budget (CHF 39.1 million). The focus
will remain on detention-related activities, as well as on medical and
physical rehabilitation programmes. The budget for Nepal, where the ICRC
runs wide-ranging protection programmes, has seen a slight increase (CHF
11.0 million). Myanmar, too, will remain a sizeable operation (CHF 14.5
million).
<p>The response to the effects of the tsunami
in Indonesia (CHF 11.8 million) and Sri Lanka (CHF 15.6 million) has moved
beyond the emergency phase and into early recovery. The ICRC has therefore
significantly reduced its tsunami-related activities in these two countries,
although it still provides operational coordination for the Movement in
the regions of these countries that were until recently or still are affected
by conflict or violence, where it now focuses on its own traditional fields
of activity.
<p>The Middle East has a lower initial budget
for 2006, standing at CHF 102.7 million. This decrease reflects a lower
level of planned expenditure in Iraq, taking into account the reduced range
of activities decided on after the killing of an ICRC staff member in Baghdad
in January 2005. It is important to note that the CHF 38.3 million budget
for Iraq in 2006 is indicative of the ICRC&#39;s will to achieve the best
possible impact there, despite the security risks involved.
<p>The budget for Israel, the Occupied and
the Autonomous Territories has decreased (CHF 42.8 million), in light of
the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. Nevertheless, the ICRC will keep up
its protection activities covering detention visits, family visits to detainees
and monitoring compliance with IHL, as well as its various assistance programmes
for the Palestinian population.
<p>The Europe and Americas budget is slightly
lower than in pre­vious years (CHF 133.6 million). Operations in the northern
Caucasus remain significant (CHF 34.0 million), while Colombia sees a budget
reduction (CHF 24.7 million), reflecting a decrease in population displacements.
Haiti continues to be a complex operation (CHF 4.9 million), not least
because of the unpredictable security environment.
<p>Operations in the southern Caucasus and
the Balkans have been further adapted, or downsized, following the successful
implementation of handover or exit strategies.
<p>Conclusion
<p>The 2006 Emergency Appeals reflect the
ICRC&#39;s renewed com­mitment to effective operational responses. Achieving
the objectives outlined in this document requires creativity and determination
on the part of ICRC staff. It requires acceptance and understanding of
the ICRC&#39;s mandate and activities on the part of a multiplicity of stakeholders.
It also requires criti­cal diplomatic support from donors, National Societies
and the private sector.
<p>The ICRC is immensely grateful for the
support and confi­dence of donors it enjoyed in 2005. The donor community&#39;s
generosity and trust played a central role in enabling the ICRC to fulfil
its responsibilities. In return, the ICRC has invested in a range of activities,
from reporting to evaluations, to improve feedback to donors and to ensure
a high level of transparency on how it makes its decisions and uses the
funds received.
<p>This document aims to present the ICRC&#39;s
realistic assessments, objectives and financial requirements, taking into
account that situations may change in the course of the coming year.
<p>The ICRC is more than ever determined
to act on behalf of people whose lives are disrupted by armed conflict
and violence. In today&#39;s constantly evolving environment this is a daunting
task.
<p>(pdf* format - 606 KB)</p>
</div>AfghanistanAngolaArmeniaAzerbaijanBosnia and HerzegovinaBurundiChadColombiaCongoDemocratic Republic of the CongoCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGeorgiaGuatemalaGuineaIndiaIndonesiaIraqKenyaLiberiaMaldivesMyanmarNepalNigeroccupied Palestinian territoryPakistanPhilippinesRussian FederationRwandaSerbiaSierra LeoneSomaliaSri LankaSudanThailandUgandaUnited States of AmericaZimbabweMontenegroTropical CycloneEarthquakeTsunamiAnalysisSituation ReportCoordinationFood and NutritionHealthProtection and Human RightsSafety and SecurityShelter and Non-Food ItemsWater Sanitation HygieneInternational Committee of the Red Crosshttps://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/overview-icrcs-operations-2006Fri, 09 Dec 2005 05:00:00 +0000ReliefWeb Updates on AngolaAfghanistan: GICHD: Update on activities between Jan and Mar 2005https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/gichd-update-activities-between-jan-and-mar-2005
<div class="source"><span class="items">Source: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining</span></div>
<div class="country"><span class="items">Country: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, the Republic of North Macedonia, Mozambique, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Zambia<span></div><br/>
<div class="body"><p><br>GENERAL OVERVIEW</p>
<p>1. During the first three months of the year 2005, the GICHD continued and consolidated its activities in the fields of operational assistance, research and support to instruments of international law. It also started its training initiative in mine action information management (see para. 4 and 11 below).</p>
<p class="c2">OPERATIONAL ASSISTANCE</p>
<p>2. The first core activity of the GICHD is the provision of specific operational support and assistance to on-going mine action activities and programmes, including those run by the UN.</p>
<p>3. The Centre is active in the fields of information management, standardisa-tion, technical assistance and training, evaluation, and the facilitation of the exchange of information.</p>
<p class="c2">INFORMATION MANAGEMENT</p>
<p>4. Information management is one of the key elements required for success in mine action programmes. The GICHD has focused its efforts in this area on the development and deployment of the Information Management for Mine Action (IMSMA). These efforts have resulted in the successful deployment of IMSMA in 41 programmes world-wide and its adoption as a de facto data handling standard for mine action.</p>
<p>5. In order to maximise the impact of information management in mine affected countries and take advantage of the synergies available between IMSMA and other systems, the Centre is now redefining its information management support role to include a comprehensive information management training pro-gramme. The new programme is no longer foucused on just the specifics of the IMSMA technology, but provides a systems approach to the overall management of information of all kinds in mine action. The goal of the programme is to assure the successful integration of proven information management techniques, systems such as IMSMA and other tools into day-to-day operations in the field.</p>
<p class="c2">INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MINE ACTION (IMSMA)</p>
<p>6. During the reporting period, the IMSMA system was installed in Jordan, the 41st operational installation.</p>
<p>7. As of 31 March 2005, IMSMA was being used in 41 field programmes: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina (for the National Impact Survey), Burundi, Chad, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Costa Rica (by OAS), Ecuador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon (National Demining Organisa-tion), Macedonia, Mauritania, with MINURSO in Western Sahara, in Mozambique, Nicaragua, Peru, Russian Federation (Chechnya, Ingushetia, Northern Ossetia), Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, with UNFICYP, UNIFIL, UNMEE, in Yemen and Zambia. Additional versions are running at various training sites at locations in France, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.</p>
<p>8. The IMSMA Re-Engineering Project was first conceived in 2003 in response to feed-back on the operation of the system received from the field. The goal of the project is to incorporate the latest technology advancements, improvements in data transfer methods (such as maXML) and most importantly the lessons learned by users in the field into an improved and easier to use information management tool for the field. The re-engineering project is currently operating on schedule and within the established budget. The first prototype delivery is scheduled for the fall of 2005.</p>
<p>9. The upcoming version of the IMSMA software will be provided in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. The system will incorporate a facility to assist users with translation into other local languages in the field. IMSMA translation support will include training materials in all six of the supported base languages.</p>
<p>10. The IMSMA Re-engineering Project and relevant translation work is funded by Switzerland.</p>
<p class="c2">INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND OUTREACH</p>
<p>11. The mine information management training aims to assist programmes with the integration of information management into their daily operations, with an emphasis on the sustainable use and support of IMSMA in the field. In order to achieve these objectives, the GICHD training focuses on the specific needs of individual programmes and staff members. Currently, the areas covered by information management training are: management; operations; database administration; data entry and data use; and the use of IMSMA in peace support operations (PSO).</p>
<p>12. In order to ensure that operational IMSMA installations are provided with training on a timely basis, participation in information management training courses is by invitation only. In addition, training is normally restricted to staff who currently work with IMSMA or who will work with it in the near future.</p>
<p>13. During the reporting period, the GICHD carried the following training courses:</p>
<p>a) The first "Introduction Course to Information Management in Mine Action" designed for operations and management staff of mine action centres took place between 7 and 11 March. Seven participants form Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Kosovo, Lebanon and Thailand attended; b) The second "Introduction Course to Information Management in Mine Action" was held between 14 and 18 March. Five trainees from Azerbaijan, Jordan, Thailand and Zambia were present.</p>
<p>Other on-site training is carried out by the Regional Support Centres (see para. 18 et sqq. below).</p>
<p class="c2">MINE ACTION DATA SHARING PROJECT</p>
<p>14. The Mine Action Data Sharing Project has now progressed from the design of a specification of the mine action extensible mark-up language to practical operational use as part of the handheld data collection project. It is now time to refine the specification in order to address a broader range of data transfer tasks and expand operational use of the mechanism to new data sharing projects. Now that an operational package using maXML as its data transfer mechanism is available in the field, the project will begin to concentrate on these new tasks. Efforts have already begun to develop a data sharing project involving the transfer of mine threat data to domains outside the immediate mine action community.</p>
<p>15. During the reporting period, work was begun on a significant update to the maXML data specification. This work is being accomplished in order to provide a more complete data transfer capability based on maXML as part of the IMSMA Re-Engineering Project. The update will result in an expansion of the specification that will incorporate all of the data elements in the existing IMSMA and the updated version.</p>
<p>16. While the use of information management tools is now widely accepted in mine action, computer based support tools are not yet fully integrated into field activities. One area that seems particularly well suited to the introduction of computer support is field data collection. Currently field survey data is collected on paper forms, which are normally transferred to a central support facility where they are entered in an information management system. This process often introduces errors in the data and can introduce significant delays between the time the data is collected and when it becomes available for the use of planners and field personnel. The introduction of automated systems to aid in the collection of the data, and its transfer to centralised information management systems, could greatly reduce the chance for transcription errors and the time required to make the data collected available for meaningful analysis and use.</p>
<p>17. The purpose of the Hand-held Field Data Collection Tool Project is to field test a hand-held computer based data collection support tool and to ana-lyse its impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the process. During the reporting period, the collection of data regarding use of the currently deployed hand-held systems was continued in both Chile and Ecuador. This project is funded by Switzerland and the UK.</p>
<p class="c2">REGIONAL SUPPORT CENTRES (RSCS)</p>
<p>18. The GICHD established the Regional Support Centre (RSC) concept in 2002 as a way to address the need for on-going support to its IMSMA installations in the field. The RSCs provide first level user support, assist mine action centres in reviewing their internal information management processes as well as their information exchange and communication procedures, and with general support to information management. The RSCs also organise regional user focus group meetings, training courses, and facilitate general contacts between interested countries and the GICHD. Each RSC is staffed with one person.</p>
<p>19. The RSC concept has evolved since that time transforming the RSCs into a trusted and respected travelling extension of the Centre. While the RSCs retain a focus on activities designed to support IMSMA they also serve as local representatives of the GICHD for other projects and activities.</p>
<p>20. Over the next two years the RSCs will be challenged with completing a total upgrade of all of the existing IMSMA installations. As part of the IMSMA upgrade process the RSCs have already begun an updated training programme focused on information management and operations rather than the traditional information technology based approach to IMSMA training.</p>
<p>21. The Centre currently supports four Regional Support Centres:</p>
<p>a) The RSC Latin America, established in 2002 and based in Managua (Nicaragua) covers Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, and Suriname. It maintains technical contacts with the humanitarian demining programmes of the United States, the United Nations and the Organisation of American States (OAS).</p>
<p>b) The RSC Europe/Central Asia, established in 2003 and based in Geneva covers Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Kosovo, Macedonia, the Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. The RSC Europe/Central Asia also maintains technical contacts with the International Trust Fund (ITF), the South-East Europe Mine Action Co-ordination Council (SEEMACC), NATO and France.</p>
<p>c) The RSC Africa, established in 2003 and based in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) covers Angola, Chad, Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Guinea-Bis-sau, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zambia. The RSC Africa also maintains technical contacts with the African Union and other humanitarian demining programmes and projects in the region.</p>
<p>d) The RSC Middle East/Northern Africa, established in late 2003 in Beirut (Lebanon) covers the following countries and territories: Eri-trea, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Puntland, Soma-liland, Sudan, Western Sahara, and Yemen.</p>
<p>22. During the reporting period, and besides routine work within the framework indicated above, the RSCs</p>
<p>a) provided assistance to a regional mine action conference in Cartagena, Colombia, in February; b) supported the Landmine Impact Survey conducted by the Survey Action Centre (SAC) in Angola; c) made an assessment visit to the Zambia Mine Action Centre (ZAMAC).</p>
<p>23. Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand are currently supported by the GICHD office in Geneva. IMSMA support activities in this region do not currently justify the establishment of a full time RSC covering South-East and East Asia. Based upon activity levels and available funding the establishment of an RSC for this region will be periodically reviewed.</p>
<p>24. The activities of the RSCs are funded by Switzerland.</p>
<p>STANDARDISATION INTERNATIONAL MINE ACTION STANDARDS (IMAS)</p>
<p>25. The International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) are prepared by the GICHD under a mandate from UNMAS. IMAS provide practitioners with an updated and revised framework of technical and procedural prescriptions for safe and effective mine action. A total of 38 IMAS have been endorsed so far.</p>
<p>26. As part of the on-going review process 14 new/existing IMAS were circulated to the IMAS Review Board in late 2004. The Review Board comments were consolidated and analysed at a meeting in UNMAS in February 2005, and have subsequently been returned to the Review Board with amended text for their final comment or approval.</p>
<p>27. Work continued on the development of new IMAS as follows:</p>
<p>a) Comments of the Review Board are currently being analysed and incorporated in the first draft of the IMAS on contracts;</p>
<p>b) The IMAS on national programmes and projects is awaiting comments from the Review Board; c) The IMAS on mechanical equipment is being developed, and it has initiated a discussion on the intended scope of IMAS in this field within the Review Board; d) The IMAS on evaluation is to follow completion of the GICHD Evaluation Study; e) The IMAS on training has been suspended, pending a training needs analysis study being developed by UNMAS.</p>
<p>28. The overall objective of the IMAS Outreach Programme is to assist mine affected countries to establish their own National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) based on the application of IMAS.</p>
<p>29. During the reporting period, the GICHD</p>
<p>a) worked with the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan during February to complete a comprehensive second draft of Afghanistan Mine Action Standards (25 chapters); b) introduced IMAS and its philosophy at a Mines Advisory Group (MAG) programme managers meeting held in Bangkok in February, and to the Iraqi Mine Action Centre middle management training course in Amman in March; c) undertook information missions to Jordan and Cambodia to discuss assistance packages on the preparation and application of national standards.</p>
<p>30. IMAS-related activities are funded from contributions received from the UK, the Czech Republic and Finland.</p>
<p class="c2">PROVISION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION</p>
<p>31. Following a request from EUDEM, the GICHD started to integrate the specialist technical EUDEM website into its own web-based information system (www.gichd.ch).</p>
<p>TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING MECHANICAL AND MANUAL MINE CLEARANCE</p>
<p>32. Based on the "Study of Mechanical Application in Demining" published in 2004, outreach presentations were conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon and South Sudan during the reporting period. This activity is funded by Norway, Sweden and the UK.</p>
<p class="c2">MINE DOG DETECTION (MDD)</p>
<p>33. The use of Mine Dog Detection (MDD) has become a common methodology and can be a fast and efficient tool if implemented correctly. The use of animals for scent detection is, however, complex and difficult. History has shown that the use of dogs can become a costly and frustrating burden beyond what demining organisations are willing to risk, and MDD was discredited when expectations were not met. For this reason, the GICHD started its MDD programme in 2000.</p>
<p>34. In the Afghanistan Mine Dog Project, the GICHD carries out external quality control of the Remote Explosive Scent Tracing (REST) programme in this country. During the reporting period, preparation work was carried out in view of the next Quality Assurance mission scheduled for May 2005. This project is commissioned by UNMAS.</p>
<p>35. At the request of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the GICHD continued with the SIDA PAT Project that consists of a regular monitoring of the Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC), its MDD programme, and the wider mine action sector in Cambodia. Preparation work for the next evaluation mission taking place in April 2005 was carried out during the reporting period.</p>
<p>36. At the request of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), the GICHD continues to provide regular technical support to the NPA REST Programme in Angola. During the reporting period, four new dogs have been trained by GICHD staff. The Centre has also developed draft SOPs for REST in Angola. In addition, a software making the information gathering process more reliable is currently under development.</p>
<p>37. In order to facilitate the understanding of the various study results, the GICHD produced three films on MDD, which will become available in May 2005.</p>
<p class="c2">SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND MINE RISK EDUCATION</p>
<p>38. Within the framework of mine risk education outreach activities, the Centre carried out a special training course for staff of the Ethiopian MAC, as requested by the Ethiopian Mine Action Organisation (EMAO). This course focused on national mine risk education (MRE) standards and strategic planning for 2005. This course took place in January.</p>
<p>39. MRE outreach activities are funded by contributions received from Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and from private contributions.</p>
<p class="c2">TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION</p>
<p>40. The Technology Officer Project aims to provide an interface between field users and the research and development communities. The focus of this project is on the review of appropriate technologies and the requirements for mine action; on providing advice on priorities for test and evaluation of equipment; on assistance to test and evaluation efforts being undertaken in mine-affected countries; and on providing outreach on equipment requirements, capabilities and limitations.</p>
<p>41. During the reporting period, the Technology Officer</p>
<p>a) participated in the trial and demonstration of an US handheld multi-sensor mine detection system in Namibia;</p>
<p>b) completed a feature article entitled "Problem Soils and Their Effect on Metal Detector Performance"; c) provided technical advice on a wide variety of subjects including equipment requirements, proposal reviews, and specific studies; d) prepared, together with UNMAS, the second edition of the "Technology Bulletin" that will be published in April 2005.</p>
<p class="c2">EVALUATION</p>
<p>42. The French Government requested GICHD to conduct evaluations of French-financed projects in Mozambique and Cambodia. During the reporting period, planning and preparation work was carried out; the respective evaluation missions are scheduled for May.</p>
<p>43. In a competitive tender process of UNOPS, the GICHD was selected to carry out the Evaluation of the Mine Action Co-ordination Centre of the United Nations Mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia (UNMEE). A draft report was presented to UNOPS and UNMAS in February, and a draft final report was subsequently submitted.</p>
<p>44. In late 2004, the GICHD was awarded the contract issued by UNOPS for the Review of Ten Years Assistance to Mine Action in Mozambique. Both, background research and the evaluation mission to Mozambique are completed. A first draft has been submitted to UNOPS and UNDP in Maputo.</p>
<p class="c2">GENERAL INFORMATION</p>
<p>45. The publication "A Guide to Mine Action" reflects current realities in a fast-developing humanitarian sector and serves as a source of information for decision-making, programme planning and research. Versions are available in English (ISBN 2.-88487-021-0), French (ISBN 2-88487-015-6) and Spanish (ISBN 2-88487-016-4). A Russian and Arabic version will become available in April and May 2005. Further translation (e.g. Farsi, Dari, Vietnamese) are under consideration. These publications are funded by Switzerland.</p>
<p class="c2">RESEARCH ACTIVITIES</p>
<p>46. The Centre continued to undertake a series of research projects with the aim of improving quality, and to make mine action safer and more cost-effective. The results of these research projects form the basis for specific recommendations and guidelines for dissemination to the field in the form of special handbooks, training courses, etc.</p>
<p class="c2">MECHANICAL AND MANUAL MINE CLEARANCE</p>
<p>47. In its research project on the practical use of mechanical systems and management of mechanised operations, work continued on the following sub-studies requested by UNMAS and is funded by Norway, Sweden, and the UK:</p>
<p>a) The project "Management of Mechanical Systems" aims to design a software tool to help programme managers establish specific causes why their mechanical assets might not be performing at optimum productivity. A narrative description of current procedures used in Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Thailand to assist the management of operations is being completed and will be published in summer 2005;</p>
<p>b) The Study on the Use of Anti-Mine Rollers in Mechanical Demin-ing will look at the best uses for rollers. Considering their relatively low purchase and maintenance costs, rollers are an attractive option for demining practitioners who are not prepared to spend huge sums on a tiller or flail system. Guidance on purchasing and fitting of rollers will also be given. During the reporting period, results from field studies in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Thailand were analysed. The relevant report will be published in summer 2005;</p>
<p>c) The study entitled "Magnets: A Tool for Mechanical Demining" is motivated by the conclusion of the "Study of Mechanical Application in Demining", which indicated that of all the obstacles faced by a manual deminer, the most time consuming to remove from within his lane are scrap metal fragments. Tests demonstrated that with the addition of a simple magnet, over 80 % of metal fragments can be removed prior to manual demining. The study on magnets will provide practical advice on the purchase and application of magnets to existing models of mechanical demining system. During the reporting period, a particular magnet configuration was tested by SWEDEC on behalf of the Centre. This test report, and the magnet study itself, will be published during in summer 2005;</p>
<p>d) The study "Mechanical Assistance: Residual Munitions Hazard" investigates possible circumstances where machines might leave residual hazards, and to determine if they add further risk to subsequent clearance activities carried out by manual deminers and dog teams. During the reporting period, research work carried on in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, South Africa, and the UK;</p>
<p>e) The study "Mechanical Application in Route Verification" looks into route clearance practices used to quickly clear routes and open them for essential supplies transports. During the reporting period, research was carried out in South Africa and Southern Sudan;</p>
<p>f) The study " The Environmental Effects of Mechanical Application in Demining" investigates cases where significant environmental damage from machine use has occurred, the nature of such damage, and ways of avoiding damage in the first place, as well as the amelioration of damage if it has been inflicted. During the reporting period, research work was carried out in Cambodia and in the Balkans.</p>
<p>48. The Study on Manual Mine Clearance aims to address efficiency and cost-effectiveness of manual demining. A working draft document has been produced and distributed to the Study Advisory Group, which will meet in mid-April. The study results will be published on the GICHD web site and as a condensed user handbook, after incorporation of the results from the Study Group meeting. The project has been requested by UNMAS and is financed by Finland and the UK.</p>
<p class="c2">MINE DOG DETECTION (MDD)</p>
<p>49. The Centre continued its research work on the Remote Explosive Scent Tracing (REST) in 2005. REST is a process of taking scent from a source for remote analysis. The scent is obtained by using a pump to draw air containing scent or particles from the soil surface through an absorbent filter. Filters are analysed remotely using specially trained dogs or rats, or other natural or artificial odour sensing system. REST has the advantage of determining areas with no mine/UXO contamination.</p>
<p>50. The REST test and licensing methodology development project aims at developing a methodology that can be used when carrying out quality assurance and test/licensing of REST projects. Most of the testing has been completed in March, and a report as well as a handbook on Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures are in preparation. The project is funded by the UK.</p>
<p>51. The REST Area Reduction Application Project will optimise the REST concept already used for road verification. It also aims to establish if it could be applied as an area reduction tool. Tests carried in 2004 produced negative results. Detailed analysis for reasons and causes continued during the reporting period. This project is funded by Norway, Sweden, and the UK.</p>
<p>52. The Rat REST Project aims to explore the use of rats as mine detection technology. Current work focuses on filter technology, sampling procedures, and environmental conditions during sampling. This project is carried out in conjunction with APOPO, which become operational with their animals in Mozambique. During the reporting period, APOPO and the GICHD continued preparing a publication that will summarise the state of knowledge on REST, and which will include an overview of the work performed by APOPO to date. This project is funded by Norway and Sweden.</p>
<p>53. In the REST Research Project, the GICHD aims to optimise scent trapping during sampling, release during analysis, and to prevent scent loss and cross contamination during storage and transportation. As a first result, new filter new filter material and storage containers have been developed. Recent tests, partly undertaken during the reporting period, confirm the increased quality of this equipment.</p>
<p>54. The Environmental Factors Study explores the relationship between MDD success and environmental factors (e.g. weather, soil chemistry). Analysis of relevant data sets continued during the reporting period. The final report is expected for late 2005. This project is commissioned by the UN.</p>
<p>55. The Operations Study uses time and motion procedures to explore the ways in which MDD are used operationally. Four case studies were being edited for final production as a GICHD publication during the reporting period. This project is funded by Norway and Sweden.</p>
<p class="c2">SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND MINE RISK EDUCATION</p>
<p>56. The study entitled "The Role of Indigenous Organisations in Mine Action" focuses on how best to create the conditions necessary for the formation of local mine action NGOs or commercial companies in mine-affected countries. The study was completed and is available on the GICHD website. Final publication of the Guide is due in summer 2005. The study was requested by UNMAS, and has been funded by Italy, the UK and UNMAS. 57. The study "Mine Action: Lessons and Challenges" aims to address questions on the success of international mine action over the past 15 years, on lessons learnt, the challenges for the future, etc. The study work is completed; publication is scheduled for mid-2005. This study is funded by the UK. 58. The Study of Capacity Development in Mine Action will look into the development of indigenous capacities in mine action. The study is just awaiting the addition of one outstanding country case study. Publication will be in hardcover and is slated for mid 2005. The study has been requested by UNDP and is funded by the UK. 59. The Study on the Role of Survey in Mine Action analyses the various types of survey used in mine action and their respective applicability and value. The study work is completed; a final editorial process is underway and the study is slated for hardcover printing in mid-2005. The study has been requested by UNMAS and is funded by the UK. 60. The Study on the Possible Synergies Between Mine Action and Small Arms Light Weapons Programmes (SALW) analyses the various types of mine action and SALW programmatic approaches and the possible synergies/areas of co-operation between the two. The respective work is underway, and completion is scheduled for autumn 2005. This study has been commissioned by the US Department of State and will become available in mid 2005.</p>
<p class="c2">EVALUATION</p>
<p>61. The Study on the Evaluation of Field Programmes will establish a basic framework and standard methodology for field evaluations. A draft handbook has been prepared and is being reviewed internally. It will be available in autumn 2005. The end result for the study is scheduled for late 2005.</p>
<p class="c2">SUPPORT OF INSTRUMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW</p>
<p>62. The GICHD supports the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention according to the mandate given by the States Parties in September 2001, which includes the Implementation Support Unit (ISU), the preparation and support of meetings, the provision of independent professional advice and assistance, and the offering of a documentation and resource database facility.</p>
<p>63. The Centre also provides independent technical input into international efforts to minimise human suffering caused by weapons and/or explosive remnants of war, which is covered by the on-going work of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). It also follows the developments under CCW and was represented in relevant meetings in March.</p>
<p class="c2">IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT UNIT (ISU)</p>
<p>64. The adoption by the States Parties of the Nairobi Action Plan has given the ISU clear and comprehensive direction for the post-Review Conference period. During this reporting period, the ISU commenced with support to the President, Co-Chairs, Contact Group Coordinators and individual States Parties in their pursuit of the aims of the Nairobi Action Plan. In particular, the ISU supported the Coordinating Committee in an ambitious effort to notify relevant States Parties of various opportunities to participate in the June meetings of the Standing Committees. The ISU also worked to compile the Co-Chairs’ programmes and prepare a comprehensive package of background materials for these meetings. 65. Certain Co-Chairs have launched particularly ambitious initiatives and the ISU has responded accordingly. For example, the Co-Chairs of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance are attempting to assist the 24 most relevant States Parties in establishing concrete victim assistance objectives for the 2005-2009 period. This has involved the ISU developing a comprehensive information gathering tool for these States Parties to use and has seen the ISU provide substantive and organisational support to two regional conferences which will take place in April/May. 66. Preparations for 6th Meeting of the States Parties have commenced and the ISU has begun providing its traditional substantive and organisational support to the presumed President. In addition, the ISU has worked closely with the UN Department for Disarmament Affairs (UNDDA) and the host country, Croatia. 67. During the reporting period, contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for the ISU were received from Belgium, Canada, Chile, and Mexico.</p>
<p>GOVERNANCE AND ORGANISATION CO-OPERATION AGREEMENTS</p>
<p>68. On 26 January 2005, the GICHD concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mine Action Centre of Iran on areas of co-operation such as the translation of publications into Farsi, the provision of training courses to staff members of the Mine Action Centre, study tours, etc.</p>
<p class="c2">INTERNAL ORGANISATION</p>
<p>69. On 31 March, the Centre consisted of 34 permanent staff members, including four persons seconded by the Governments of France, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland. In total, 14 nationalities are present at the Centre (including staff members having more than one citizenship): Switzerland (16 persons), Canada (7), UK (6), France (4), US (4), Norway (2), Australia, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and Sweden.</p>
<p class="c2">Geneva, 22 April 2005</p>
<p>All publications of the GICHD are available on www.gichd.ch/publications</p>
<div class="c4">
<table border="1">
<tr valign="top">
<td width="504" colspan="2">
<div class="c3">List of Acronyms</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">CCW</td>
<td width="403">Convention on the Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">CEMOD</td>
<td width="403">Cost Effectiveness Model</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">CMAC</td>
<td width="403">Cambodia Mine Action Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">DDAS</td>
<td width="403">Database for Demining Accident Reporting System</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">DRC</td>
<td width="403">Democratic Republic of Congo</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">EMAO</td>
<td width="403">Ethiopian Mine Action Organisation</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">EOD</td>
<td width="403">Explosive Ordnance Disposal</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">ERW</td>
<td width="403">Explosive Remnants of War</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">EUDEM</td>
<td width="403">European Union in Humanitarian Demining</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">GICHD</td>
<td width="403">Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">ISU</td>
<td width="403">Implementation Support Unit</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">ITF</td>
<td width="403">International Trust Fund</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">IMAS</td>
<td width="403">International Mine Action Standard(s)</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">IMSMA</td>
<td width="403">Information Management System for Mine Action</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MAC</td>
<td width="403">Mine Action Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MAG</td>
<td width="403">Mines Advisory Group</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MaXML</td>
<td width="403">Mine action Extensible Mark-up Language</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MDC</td>
<td width="403">Mine Dog Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MDD</td>
<td width="403">Mine Dog Detection</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MINURSO</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">MRE</td>
<td width="403">Mine Risk Education</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">NATO</td>
<td width="403">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">NGO</td>
<td width="403">Non-governmental organisation</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">NMAS</td>
<td width="403">National Mine Action Standard(s)</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">NPA</td>
<td width="403">Norwegian People’s Aid</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">OAS</td>
<td width="403">Organisation of American States</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">PSO</td>
<td width="403">Peace Support Operations</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">REST</td>
<td width="403">Remote Explosive Scent Tracing</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">RSC</td>
<td width="403">Regional Support Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SAC</td>
<td width="403">Survey Action Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SALW</td>
<td width="403">Small Arms and Light Weapons</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SEEMACC</td>
<td width="403">South-East Europe Mine Action Co-ordination Council</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SIDA</td>
<td width="403">Swedish International Development Agency</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SOP</td>
<td width="403">Standing Operation Procedure(s)</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SRSA</td>
<td width="403">Swedish Rescue Services Agency</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">SWEDEC</td>
<td width="403">Swedish EOD and Demining Centre</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UK</td>
<td width="403">United Kingdom</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UN</td>
<td width="403">United Nations</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNDDA</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNDP</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Development Programme</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNFICYP</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Forces in Cyprus</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNIFIL</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNMAS</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Mine Action Service</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNMEE</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UNOPS</td>
<td width="403">United Nations Office for Project Services</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">US</td>
<td width="403">United States of America</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">UXO</td>
<td width="403">Unexploded Ordnance</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="101">ZAMAC</td>
<td width="403">Zambia Mine Action Centre</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaAzerbaijanBosnia and HerzegovinaBurundiColombiaDemocratic Republic of the CongoEritreaEthiopiaGuinea-BissauIraqthe Republic of North MacedoniaMozambiqueRussian FederationRwandaSierra LeoneSomaliaSri LankaSudanTajikistanThailandZambiaEarthquakeTsunamiSituation ReportProtection and Human RightsGeneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demininghttps://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/gichd-update-activities-between-jan-and-mar-2005Fri, 22 Apr 2005 04:00:00 +0000ReliefWeb Updates on Angola